Code

By Angie Thompson

A sinister threat. A shocking betrayal. A single rose.

Jan has poured her grief over her brother's death into finishing his work—crippling the terrible system they'd unknowingly helped to build. But when a strange gift beckons her to seek out Kevin's betrayer, will she find the answers she needs? Or will hate and anger shatter everything she holds dear?

A short story

Semi-finalist Indie E-Con 2018 Writing Contest, with extended and deleted scenes

• Language: English
• Publisher: Quiet Waters Press
• Release date: Aug 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9780999614433

Angie Thompson

An avid reader and incurable story-spinner, Angie Thompson also enjoys volunteering in her church’s children’s program and starting (but not always finishing) various kinds of craft projects. She currently lives in central Virginia near most of her incredible family, including two parents, six brothers, one sister, and five siblings-in-law—plus four nieces, nine nephews, and several assorted pets! Get in touch with her by emailing [e-mail]. Love getting the behind-the-scenes scoop? You’ll find it and more at quietwaterspress.com.

Book preview

Kevin had trusted him. Kevin is dead. So why did I pick it up?

I try to ignore the questions swirling in my brain and focus on my work. Kevin’s work. The work that means freedom or slavery to the whole province. Maybe the whole world.

But the white silk rose draws my eyes like a magnet.

Craig’s informants say dozens of governments are eager to buy. To outsiders, the system is perfect. Centralized knowledge bases. Streamlined access. Unparalleled security. They don’t know the frightening capabilities hidden at its core. Unrivaled tracking and surveillance. Master overrides of infrastructure, finance, and security. Ability to intercept and change electronic communications. That piece earned Kevin a car before he could drive.

I’m glad Mom isn’t alive to know the truth. This is why he married her. Two young programming aces with more skill than forethought. A frail little mother too grateful to be suspicious. An older brother too consumed with jealousy to sense real danger.

We’d played right into Cameron’s hands. He’d made it a game—sometimes a personal goal, sometimes a competition. Kevin had thrived on the challenge, and when my interest lagged, the mere suggestion that I couldn’t keep up with my little brother had always revived my spirit. We’d never questioned the tasks. Never wondered at the lavish rewards.

We’d been kids. Innocent kids. Used to build a system capable of ruling the world.

I lay my head on my desk, biting my lip hard as I study the rose.

Cameron’s betrayal sickens but doesn’t surprise me. But Jack’s—

Footsteps on the stairs bring me upright, and I bury the flower under a heavy manual just as Craig pushes open the door.

Ever think of knocking?

What’s your status?

I’m working on it, Craig. You don’t want a progress report. Why do you keep asking?

I’d take one if it wasn’t filled with technical gibberish.

Then you don’t want one. Explaining computer programming to my brother is like talking Spanish to a Norwegian. "Everything I’m doing is technical gibberish, and I don’t have the time to